Short answer: A vehicle made after 1922 that is at least 25 years old and of historic interest can get permanent Historical Vehicle plates from California DMV for a $25 initial plate fee, plus regular registration fees (Vehicle Code §5004). Plated vehicles are limited mainly to historical exhibitions, parades and club activities, not everyday transportation. The Bureau of Automotive Repair also requires collector car insurance for a vehicle to be treated as a collector car for smog purposes.
Historical plates at a glance
| Item | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Made after 1922, at least 25 years old, of historic interest | Vehicle Code §5004(a)(3) |
| Horseless Carriage plates | 1922 and earlier, or 16+ cylinder engines made before 1965 | §5004(a)(1)-(2) |
| "Historic interest" | Collected, restored, maintained and operated by a collector or hobbyist mainly for exhibition and club activities | §5004(f) |
| Fee | $25 initial; plates are permanent | §5004(c) |
| Use | Primarily historical exhibition and similar noncommercial purposes such as parades and club events | DMV registration manual |
Where insurance comes in
- Collector car status for smog: BAR says the vehicle must be insured as a collector car and be, among other options, at least 25 model-years old with historical plates (or at least 35 model-years old, or a special interest vehicle).
- Liability minimums still apply: a plated classic needs at least California's 30/60/15 liability.
- Collector policies often use an agreed value and set conditions such as limited mileage, secure storage and a separate daily-use vehicle. Terms vary by insurer.
Checklist
- Confirm eligibility and apply for plates through DMV.
- Get a written agreed value and update it after restoration work.
- Read the use and storage conditions in the policy before driving to an event.
Related: collector car insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How old does a car have to be for historical plates in California?
At least 25 years old, made after 1922 and of historic interest (Vehicle Code §5004).
Can I drive a car with historical plates every day?
No. Plated vehicles are limited primarily to historical exhibitions, parades and club activities.
Do I need special insurance for a car with historical plates?
State liability minimums apply to all cars. BAR requires collector car insurance for a vehicle to be treated as a collector car for smog.
How much do historical plates cost?
A one-time $25 fee for permanent plates (§5004(c)), plus other registration fees.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.